5+design Kozzy Shopping Centre Wins ICSC European Shopping Centre Award

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 28, 2011 -- During the recent International Council of Shopping Centres European Awards program in Paris, Kozzy Alisveris Ve Kultur Merkei, a compact jewel of a retail centre designed by 5+design and local architect Fehmi Kobal Design Mimarlik for Renaissance Development took home the honors in the New Small Developments category. Located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Turkey in a high density, residential neighborhood, the design takes full advantage of its surroundings to create a charming, human-scaled destination with a diverse mix of retail, arts and community offerings — in all just 158,000 square feet (14,610 square meters.)

"In addition to the quality retail, it's the combination of uses— from the adjacent offices that are home to the local Council Chamber meetings to the 400-seat theater to the art exhibition center — and the extroverted design that have made Kozzy a popular, local attraction," said Tim Magill, the 5+design partner who led the design. "The location, at an intersection a block from the main shopping thoroughfare, provided us the opportunity to connect with the neighborhood context by creating a village of nested forms, stairs, and terraces that move the visitor up the facade to a view overlooking the walkable streets and gracious residences."

While the outdoor plaza fronting the corner intersection, which can be closed off for public festivities, is an obvious public amenity, the interior atrium of the mall was also conceived as a social space for community uses. Inside the atrium high quality finishes, ample public seating and abundant daylight create a welcoming showcase for the 65 international and domestic retailers, including a selection of indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes, a grocery store and a nine-screen cinema.

Established in 1975, the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in Commercial Real Estate. Kozzy was also named 2010 Turkey's Best New Shopping Center Under 50,000 square meters by Turkey's Trade Council of Shopping Centers & Retailer.

5+design is an international design studio offering services in architecture, urban design, planning and interiors. With offices in Hollywood and Shanghai, the firm is designing mixed-use, retail, entertainment and residential projects globally.